Marks & Spencer's £40 dress is similar style to Kate Middleton's Polo midi

Kate Middleton's impeccable fashion wardrobe has made her a style icon for women worldwide and now royal enthusiasts can emulate her look with a summer dress from Marks and Spencer.

The M&S Printed Midaxi Tea Dress, priced at £39.50, bears a striking resemblance to a midi the Princess of Wales wore last year. It has already caught the eye of fashion aficionados, featuring a blue-and-white abstract print, ruched short sleeves, and an elasticated waistband.

Available in petite, regular, and long lengths, it caters to sizes from six to 24 and has garnered a high average rating of 4.5 from online shoppers. 

What makes this affordable high-street number even more appealing is its similarity to the baby-blue midi dress Princess Kate donned for the Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club in 2023. But the royal's dress, from ethical British brand Beulah London, came with a hefty price tag of £595. She paired it with nude heels and gold hoop earrings, reports the Mirror.

Tea dresses have become a wardrobe essential in recent years, with brands like Roman and Nobody's Child offering a plethora of options each spring and summer. This timeless, figure-flattering style accentuates the waist beautifully while remaining airy enough for warmer weather.

The M&S Collection tea dress has received over 40 five-star reviews online, indicating it's a must-have item. One satisfied customer exclaimed: "This is a lovely blue which I love, the style is classic and is very comfortable. I have bought two other dresses of the same style but different colours for my holiday as these dresses can be worn for both daytime and evening wear."

Another happy shopper wrote: "Beautiful dress, vibrant colour. Fits perfect, length is good. I'm 5'8 size 14. Going to the races in it. Lovely material, drapes well."

A third pleased buyer commented: "Lovely dress, size perfect, good fabric as didn't crease. Would definitely Recommend."

However, some shoppers have noted that the dress may be too long for their liking. One remarked: "A bit long on me for a midaxi but very stylish," and another mentioned: "The dress was fine, good fit but it was far too long! "

Shoppers are advised to check out the M&S size guide before purchasing. You can snap up the M&S Printed Midaxi Tea Dress for just £39.50. If you're looking to steal Kate's style for even less, consider the Roman Blue Tiered Contrast Floral Print Dress, - which is priced at £40, but you can get an extra 10% off with code 'JULY'.

White Stuff's Naya Jersey Print Dress in blue, £65, is also very flattering, with a tiered skirt and pockets to keep you cool and hands-free.